As Stockholm gradually shakes off the frost of winter, the city awakens with a newfound energy. While the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan and the shimmering waters of the archipelago pull most visitors, those in the know might steer 40 minutes north of the capital to a place where chrome glints brighter than the summer sun — Nifsta Gård, home of Nifsta Classic Cars.
This isn’t your average tourist destination. It’s not listed in most guidebooks, and that’s precisely what makes it special. On Thursday evenings throughout the warmer months, Nifsta transforms into the beating heart of Swedish car culture, drawing in everyone from diehard hot rod aficionados to curious newcomers with freshly minted driving licenses.
A Tradition in Motion
Nifsta Classic Cars is more than just a dealership — it’s a living, roaring museum of American muscle and automotive heritage. The Eriksson family took over the property in 2016, but their love for cars goes back much further. Mats Eriksson, the current steward of the business, grew up surrounded by carburetors, exhaust notes, and the unmistakable scent of gasoline. His father began dealing American cars back in the 1970s — long before digital diagnostics and luxury scanners — relying solely on gut, grit, and grease. That old-school ethos still fuels Nifsta today.
While the shop specializes in American classics, the weekly meetups welcome all makes and models. From vintage Volvos and boxy BMWs to candy-colored Cadillacs and sleek Japanese imports, the field becomes a kaleidoscope of global automotive history. It’s a celebration of machinery, but more than that, it’s a celebration of community.
Where Generations Collide
In a corner of the Swedish countryside, beneath the golden evening sun, Nifsta becomes a stage for generational exchange. Young enthusiasts arrive in their Epas — modified farm vehicles that legally allow teenagers to drive — proudly parking alongside six-figure collector cars. Mats Eriksson believes this blending of old and new is crucial. “The younger generation holds the key to preserving our car traditions,” he says. “We have to make space for everyone — not just the veterans.”
That inclusive spirit is palpable on the grass. There’s no gatekeeping, no purist snobbery — just shared passion, mutual respect, and the occasional friendly debate over a Corvette’s bumper conversion or the pros and cons of turbocharging a Hillman Imp.
From Big Rigs to Beer Cars
You never quite know what you’ll see at Nifsta. There’s always something unexpected. One week, a pristine 1969 Lotus Europa S2 might be casually parked beside a rare Renault Alpine A310. The next, a convoy of Pilsnerbilar — lovingly dubbed “beer cars” for their notorious place in Swedish car culture — might roll in with their exhausts burbling and trunks full of nostalgia.
Even big rigs make an appearance, proving that Nifsta isn’t just for sports cars and sedans. The sheer scale and presence of these highway titans offer a dramatic contrast to the winding country roads that lead to the venue.
More Than Cars
Though the vehicles are the star attraction, Nifsta offers far more than a visual feast for petrolheads. A quaint café sits at the edge of the field, often hosting live bands that serenade guests as the sun dips below the treeline. With a warm Swedish körv (sausage) in hand and engines humming in the background, the atmosphere becomes more festival than showroom.
As dusk settles, the vibe subtly shifts. Some cars begin to peel away, but many stay — and that’s when the real fun begins. Skids and cheeky burnouts are not uncommon on the road just outside the venue. The Erikssons, however, have plans to make this part of the experience more official. Upcoming upgrades include asphalting the internal roads and building a dedicated burnout pit, giving guests a safe space to let loose.
A Summer Ritual Worth Experiencing
For those lucky enough to be in Sweden during the summer, a visit to Nifsta is a must — even if you don’t consider yourself a car enthusiast. It’s about more than engines and horsepower. It’s about people, stories, and the joy of coming together after a long, dark winter to celebrate the sun, the road, and the rumble of life.
Whether you’re drawn to the chrome curves of a 1950s Buick, the boxy charm of an ’80s Alpine, or the daring modifications of a young driver’s Epa, Nifsta has something for everyone. It’s Sweden’s answer to Japan’s Daikoku PA, but with more green fields, less neon, and a whole lot of heart.
So, as summer rolls in and Stockholm buzzes with activity, consider veering off the beaten path. At Nifsta, you’ll find horsepower, heritage, and a whole lot of hospitality — all tucked away in the Swedish countryside, waiting for the next Thursday night to roar to life.
